Friday, October 2, 2009

Cheesesteak Central: Capitolo Playground

Equipment: 2 sets of apparatus, one for toddlers (climbable even for crawlers, two slides, longish bridge with 90-degree turn) and one for slightly older kids (several slides including a one spiral and one with moguls, and several climbing access points). 8 swings (4 bucket and 4 strap). 1 sprinkler. 2 riding-animals on springsAges: toddlers, maybe up to early elementary age?Surface: rubberized around the aparatus, sidewalk elsewhereShade(0-3): 2 (fair collection of small trees around the whole area)Water: Y -- one tall-ish sprinker (not operating when visited)Other: extensive rec. center facilities, with fields and courts, etc.Access: several blocks south of Washington Ave. on 9th St, also close to 47 bus line

Impressions: Playground is fairly big and a part of a block-sized recreational complex including a large baseball field and a community center. Oh, and did I mention that it's DIRECTLY ACROSS THE STREET FROM GENO'S STEAKS? It's quite an odd experience sitting in a playground with an intense odor of cheesesteaks surrounding you. Apart from that, it's quite a nice environment. The main equipment itself is fairly standard and a bit underwhelming for older kids, but everything is in decent shape, there are ample swings, and even a few small extras (ride-on animals, sprinkler). Plus, you're a block from a cute cafe at 8th and Wharton (shameless plug).Overall rating: 6

Tips for playground designers

Always aim high. Manufacturer estimates of appropriate ages to use their equipment appear to be based more on liability concerns than on the reality of kids on the ground. My two-year-old laughs in the face of your "5-12 only" warning! Littler kids don't mind having to grow into a few features of a playset, but insufficient challenge will remove any interest in playing there.

Pay extra for the plastic slides. Count this one double if your site has minimal shade -- there will be seasons in which a metal slide is entirely unusable for anything other than popping popcorn. That can undermine the whole outing. While I'm here, don't forget tunnel slides, which seem to be disproportionately popular, especially with the younger set.

The value of shade can't be overstated, especially for the smallest kids and/or for equipment (like swings) where they're likely to stay for a while. Planting trees over by the benches might look nice, but the ones by the equipment will really bring families back.

Don't forget crawlers! It's the rare playground that has anything at all for kids who crawl or can stand supported, and parents really appreciate those that do. Cement sculptures have always served this population, as do crawl-through tunnels of various types and low "nursery school" slides.